Be Informed

Know what disasters could affect your area, which could call for an evacuation and when to shelter in place.

Georgia is prone to extreme heat. If you don’t have home air conditioning, plan to go to an air-conditioned location for at least a few hours during extreme weather to avoid heat stroke.

Keep a NOAA Weather Radio tuned to your local emergency station and monitor TV and radio warnings about severe weather in your area.

Make a Plan

Next, determine any special assistance you may need, and include in your emergency plan.

Create a support network of family, friends and others who can assist you during an emergency, and share your disaster plans with them. Practice your plan with them.
– Make sure they have an extra key to your home, know where you keep your emergency supplies and how to use lifesaving equipment or administer medicine.

If you undergo routine treatments administered by a clinic or hospital, find out their emergency plans and work with them to identify back-up service providers.

If you have a communication-related disability, note the best way to communicate with you.

Don’t forget your pets or service animals. Not all shelters accept pets, so plan for alternatives.
– Consider loved ones or friends outside of your immediate area
– Prepare a Ready kit for your pet

Get your benefits electronically

A disaster can disrupt mail service for days or weeks. If you depend on Social Security or other regular benefits, switching to electronic payments is a simple, significant way to protect yourself financially before disaster strikes. It also eliminates the risk of stolen checks. The U.S. Department of the Treasury recommends two safer ways to get federal benefits:

Direct deposit to a checking or savings account. Federal benefit recipients can sign up by calling (800) 333-1795 or at www.GoDirect.org.

The Direct Express® prepaid debit card is designed as a safe and easy alternative to paper checks. Call toll-free at (877) 212-9991 or sign up online.

Copies of important documents in a watertight container:
– Family records, wills, power of attorney documents, deeds, bank information, tax records, cash or travelers checks, names and contact information of your support network.